Beneil Dariush or Islam Makhachev, Who is Next?: Charles Oliveira Knows a Way to Settle the Debate

Posted on by Matt James

In an exclusive interview with MMA Fighting’s podcast, Trocação Franca, former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, provided some clarity on his position on the lightweight title fight landscape. Oliveira was stripped off his belt for failing to make championship weight at UFC 274 and is now the number one contender since he defeated Justin Gaethje.

In all accounts, Charles Oliveira will fight either Islam Makhachev or Beneil Dariush for the vacant championship. However, Oliveira explained that he wants to see both men duke it out amongst themselves to see who is really deserving.

What’s interesting is that Oliveira’s take goes directly against the wishes of former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov who demands to see Islam Makhachev fight for gold immediately. According to Nurmagomedov, Makhachev has already paid his dues.

However, the current best lightweight in the world, Charles Oliveira, doesn’t share Nurmagomedov’s beliefs.

“I think the reality is, Makhachev has to fight Dariush first,” Oliveira said. “They both have to fight and then we’ll see who we’re fighting or not. Makhachev is super tough and deserves all the respect in the world. Dariush is also super tough and has a great team.”

“It will be a great fight, so let them fight first and see what will happen down the line. Like I said, my focus now is going home and getting some rest, and my team will see who we’re fighting. I’ve never ran from a fight and never will. I’ll be there and I’ll be ready [to fight] whoever they put in there with me.”

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Oliveira also seemed fired up to face the winner of Makhachev and Dariush, as they are both names he hasn’t faced before. This is a pleasant change from engaging in a rematch considering Dustin Poirier has been clamoring for another shot.

“Everyone I beat, I’ve made it pretty clear. I never let it go the distance, I always finish them. Makhachev and Dariush are the two guys I haven’t fought yet and they both have to make this fight happen. Maybe [the next contender] comes from this fight. The thing is, it makes no difference to me. I’ll be ready. The champion’s name is Charles Oliveira.” [h/t MMA Fighting.com]

Dariush and Makhachev both have unique skill sets that could give Charles Oliveira trouble in different positions. According to many, the most meritorious way of choosing Oliveira’s next dance partner would be a scrap between both men.